Historic Joint Commemorative Concert Closes Celebration of 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Mexico Diplomatic Relations

The Nightingales graced the renowned Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City on 10 April 2024 during the joint concert with the mezzo-soprano and soprano of the Fine Arts Opera Studio of Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes and Literature of Mexico for the closing ceremony of the 70th Anniversary of Philippine-Mexico relations.

MÉXICO 16 April 2024 – “Amigos para siempre.” The resounding harmony of the performances of Filipino soprano-duo “The Nightingales” composed of Bianca Lopez-Aguila and Bernadette Mamauag, and the members of the Fine Arts Opera Studio (EOBA) mezzo-soprano Andrea Pancardo and soprano Luz Valeria Viveros gave a fitting closure to the year-long celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-Mexico diplomatic relations.

Serving as the pinnacle of the celebration of the long history of shared culture between the two countries, the joint commemorative concert featuring classical and contemporary melodies was successfully held at the renowned Sala Manuel M. Ponce of the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City on 10 April 2024.  

Creating an unexpected buzz, the event attracted more than 200 spectators from the diplomatic corps, partner Mexican government agencies, and members of the Filipino and Mexican communities.

In her welcome remarks, H.E. Lilybeth R. Deapera, Ambassador of the Philippines to Mexico, recalled the collaborative projects conducted within the framework of this milestone commemoration which culminated with the remarkable display of Philippine and Mexican talents and cultural heritage.

Representing the Ministry of Culture (SECULT) of Mexico, Director General of Social Communication Manuel Zepeda Mata delved into the deep historical connection between the Philippines and Mexico and reiterated the latter´s commitment to continuously forge strengthened bonds with the Philippines. 

The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Mexico expresses its sincerest appreciation to its partners who were instrumental to the success of this event: The National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines (NCCA), the Ministry of Culture of Mexico (SECULT), Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura (INBAL), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico (SRE).

This historic event imprinted in our bilateral relations is a testament of our enduring friendship, as well as the endless possibilities of cooperation to facilitate exchanges of influences and talents, ultimately advancing our partnership to greater heights in the next 70 years and beyond. END

The Nightingales (on the left) with the members of EOBA, Andrea Pancardo, Luz Valeria Viveros and Ricardo Galaviz, the pianist (in the middle).

The Nightingales dazzled the packed concert hall with their rendition of classical and contemporary Filipino songs.

The Philippine Embassy in Mexico led by Ambassador Lilybeth R. Deapera (in red) together with its collaborators from the Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs, and the guest performers.

For more information, visit https://www.mexicope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinMexico/.